by Daman
“STOP YOUR ATTACK! RETREAT!”
The gigantic shadow bellowed in a panic-stricken voice as he noticed the elemental fluctuations around him. A force that could trigger the activity of all the elements could only mean one thing.
Vilas was destroying his elemental core!
This was not a mere burning of the essence in exchange for more power. This was the self-detonation of the elemental core along with the body and soul for a single massive explosion.
With the eighth rank cultivation of Vilas at the Saint stage, the power of that explosion was more than enough to destroy all traces of life within the radius of twenty yards and with how close both of them were to Vilas’ body, there could be absolutely no chance of escaping.
“This… how could this happen!?”
The smaller shadow trembled with terror at the sight of a hazy golden dragon appearing above Vilas’ crumpled body.
The soul of a Saint stage expert.
Chapter 7 – A Connection
Divine pillars of light embedded themselves on the ground, entrapping the two shadows and forcing them to their knees.
“KRUAAAAAAAHHHH”
The golden dragon roared to the heavens, lamenting his death and for leaving the side of his liege, the Emperor, at this critical time. He had already left his physical body and sent his consciousness into his soul dragon.
“You will pay for this.”
Vilas spoke softly, his golden maw now facing down to gaze at the two shadows.
The celestial pillars of light shone brightly at this moment, revealing the identities of the two shadows.
“HUMANS!”
Vilas yelled out in fury, realizing that it was the humans who were trying to meddle in the affairs of the Desolate Mountain and were targeting the Beast Emperor.
“Die, scum.”
The golden dragon declared, as dozens of spears made of light penetrated into the humans’ bodies. Dark crimson blood soaked their robes, as the two bodies lifelessly fell to the ground.
These humans were only at the first and third rank of Saint stage and yet they dared to kill him. If he was not so desperate and the poison had not corroded all his meridians and essence, he would not be forced to destroy his elemental core for a final revenge.
If the golden dragon had known Elias’ technique, then he might not have had to sacrifice his life.
His only regret was dying in the hands of the weak humans.
*crack*
The divine pillars of light began to break apart, signifying the incoming explosion.
“Forgive me, your Majesty… I will not be able to protect you from this coming danger in future.”
Vilas sighed, as he closed his eyes for eternal rest.
*crackle*
All of a sudden, bolts of mysterious lightning burst from within his broken elemental core and Vilas’ eyes flashed open with an azure glow.
…………………..
“Hurry up and get back, kid!”
A familiar voice reverberated inside Calron’s mind.
“Teacher, you’re back. I have a lot questions to ask!”
Calron exclaimed as he abruptly stopped in his tracks.
“Leave that for later. Quickly change into your beast form and fly as far away as you can. Quickly, before you lose your life.”
Ezkael urged his student.
Sensing the slight trace of fear within his Teacher’s voice, Calron immediately complied as a series of golden scales covered his body and a pair of metallic wings spurt from his back.
*Swoosh*
Compared to his Blood Mist Step, his flying speed after Tarnila’s training was at least twelve times faster.
In the span of a few seconds, Calron was already close to the clouds in the skies when a thundering explosion quaked the earth just below him.
“What the- “
Completely stupefied that he had just narrowly escaped his death, Calron blankly stared at the waves of golden essence orbiting around the cave.
To be exact, the area which used be a cave. Now, it was just a crater surrounded by dry and barren land.
“It should be safe now, the explosion just now was a Saint stage expert combusting his elemental core and soul for a powerful attack.
Ezkael stated in a serious tone. Calron could feel from his voice, that his Teacher was greatly disturbed by this scene.
“Are they our enemies?”
Calron asked nervously, unsure of the reason why Ezkael was so perturbed.
“I… do not think so, but I sensed a very familiar presence before that expert’s death. Let’s go see what is in the center of the explosion, at the least, it is safe as I sense no alive creature nearby.”
Ezkael said slowly, as his ghostly form materialized on top of Calron’s scaly back.
“A familiar presence? But we don’t know many Saint stage experts, so who could it be?”
Calron inquired while flapping his wings and descending to the ground.
“The feeling… is the similar to yours, Calron… “
Ezkael quietly murmured, but with Calron’s enhanced senses he could clearly hear the shocking words that were spoken.
“You think it might be a member of House Raizel?”
Calron asked with a shaking voice, his beast body slowly reverting back to human.
How could he not be shaken? After finding out that members of his family existed somewhere in this world, it became his most important goal to reunite with them.
“I don’t know, let us enter the cave and see. Even though I don’t sense any presence, it’s best to be on guard.”
Ezkael warned while his smoky body drifted ahead.
“Understood.”
Calron conveyed, but a hint of excitement was underplayed in that voice.
…………………
“This is a pity… “
Ezkael whispered morosely, staring at the hazy and transparent image of a golden dragon in front of him.
“Is it still alive?”
Calron questioned, staring at the flickering form of the dragon.
“No, the dragon has already died. What you see before you is the empty husk of its soul, or in other words, the empty container of the soul itself. It is already starting to fade away.”
Ezkael sadly stated, his ghostly hand passing through form of the golden dragon.
“I wonder what happened here.”
Calron muttered, glancing at the devastated land around him. He walked next to his Teacher and observed the fading soul of the dragon with curiosity. Even after its death, the magnificent presence of the dragon could not be denied. Compared to Weir, the presence of the golden dragon was much more intimidating and noble.
Why do I feel so sad for its death?
Calron pondered, as he slowly stretched out his hand to touch the disappearing form of the dragon.
*BZZZZT*
Bolts of Azure Lightning abruptly crackled around his arm and burst into the dragon, as it rapidly covered the whole dragon.
Under an azure flash of light, the dragon opened its eyes.
Chapter 8 – Memories Of A Soul
In a small library, a silhouette remained seated on a simple wooden chair as he silently read the book within his hands.
At this moment, the door of the small library room opened and a humanoid beast entered the library’s space.
“Your Majesty, I have returned.”
A tall man with a red draconic face stated, as he knelt on the ground. The light armor on his body shone with a rich metallic glaze, while his deep purple cloak fluttered behind him. A mysterious symbol was engraved on the cloak’s back.
“Jaron, what is the response from Selior city?”
A soft melodic voice breezed from the seated man.
“The clans are in favor, but the sects and the aristocracy are adamant in not taking any action.”
Jaron replied with a disappointed shake of his head.
“Sigh… humans are blinded by the present greed o
f wealth but cannot see the dangers of the future. Did you personally confront the royal family?”
The seated man asked calmly.
“I tried, your Majesty, but the guards refused to allow me entrance to the palace.”
“This is troubling… they openly refused to meet a member of the Guardians… do you think that we are too late?”
The seated man finally put down his book, as a flash of worry flickered across his face.
“I hope I am wrong as well, but the signs are all showing that the enemy has already infiltrated our continent. I’m afraid even the order of the Guardians is compromised, your Majesty.”
The red dragon-headed man stated, lowering his head in sadness.
As a member of the proud and noble Order of the Guardians, Jaron could not get rid of the anxiety about the future of his brothers and sisters.
“Alas, destiny has already been set in stone… anyways, let’s put these depressing thoughts aside and talk about the matter for the future.”
The Emperor’s mouth upturned into a gentle smile.
“Haha, your Majesty has already noticed.”
Jaron broke into a beaming smile, as he put his hand into the satchel at his side and lifted up a large golden egg.
“I am happy for you and Elna, Jaron. Have you decided a name yet?”
The Emperor laughed out loud seeing the jubilant expression on the usually stoic Guardian.
“We have… His name will be Valis!”
……………………..
“I don’t think we should be doing this, your Highness.”
A meter-long tiny dragon vehemently shook his head, while staring at the cliff below them. His soft golden scales shined under the sun’s rays and his childish azure eyes worriedly glanced at the figure next to him.
“Haha, you worry too much, Valis! If you are so scared now, how will you become my protector when we grow up?”
A melodic adolescent voice spoke, as his bright scarlet eyes excitedly bore into Valis.
Standing next to Valis was a much tinier figure covered in flames. It almost appeared as if the figure was entirely made of a deep red inferno.
The tiny figure was the member of the legendary race of Phoenix.
“I will always protect your Highness!”
Courage started to bloom within Valis’ little heart when he heard his friend’s words, and his nervously swaying tail straightened up with confidence.
“Great! Whoever reaches the other side of the cliff will win and the loser will have to kiss Lisna. You ready?”
The little phoenix challenged the golden dragon, as he waltz towards the edge of the cliff with a confident swagger.
This is a grave matter… I cannot afford to lose this, but if I do Lisna will definitely give me a beating and if refuse this challenge, his highness will definitely be sad.
The little dragon thought while gazing at his companion. However, seeing the look of pure happiness on his friend’s face, all thoughts of backing away vanished and a single thought took over.
I will protect that smile.
“Go!”
Valis spread out his wings and leapt off the cliff.
……………………..
A colossal golden bird with a length of a staggering eight meters flew in the sky, its metallic wings shimmering under the morning’s light.
*SCREEEEEE*
Its cry pierced the clouds, scattering away any nearby beasts on the ground below.
“Mother, I thought Dad was going to teach me aerial combat?”
A golden dragon the same hue as the colossal bird steadily flew behind. Over three meters long and traces of dense muscle covering its limbs, the dragon emitted a strong aura.
“Why, is your mother not good enough?”
The golden bird sharply turned her head, glaring at the teen dragon following her.
“Ah- No! I meant, your teaching might be too complex and high-level for me.”
The dragon stuttered, especially under the piercing glare of his mother whose azure eyes resembled so much like his own.
“Nice save, kiddo. Anyways, your father is a little busy so I decided to teach you the basics myself and he can teach you the rest later.”
The bird stated, her mighty wings sending out gusts of wind each time they flapped.
“Besides, in an aerial combat, I could beat even your father… It would have been nice if you had awakened to the element of lightning instead of that lousy element of light.”
Elna grumbled quietly, but the little dragon was too busy within his own thoughts to pay any attention to her.
Actually, this might be the perfect time with mom alone. Dad told me never to ask her, but as her son I think I have a right to know. I don’t know why they still continue to hide this from me.
Valis brooded, and nodded his head as if he had made a decision.
“Hey mother, why don’t we ever visit your family? Where do they live?”
Valis bolted ahead, as he flew side-by-side with his mother and asked his question.
Elna was startled mid-flight, but continued on while staring at the tranquil horizon ahead.
“My family… they banished me.”
She spoke in a whisper, as memories of her father, mother, uncles and cousins dazed within her mind.
“What!? They banished you? Tell me their names, I will go and fight for you!”
Valis shouted out in rage.
“Hahaha, first learn how to properly fly and then you can fight.”
Elna shook her head out of the daze, and nudged her son mid-flight while letting out a fond chuckle.
“Besides, it was not their fault, it was mine and the consequence of my decision.”
Elna stated, and almost as if an afterthought, she added.
“Your name is actually the same as my father’s…. Valis Gior Raizel.”
Chapter 9 – Descendent Of The Raizel Clan
“Valis, what do you think of the humans?”
A man with long bright-red hair asked, as he swung his sword towards his opponent.
“They are weaklings, and most are greedy for wealth and power, your Majesty.”
Valis calmly responded, parrying the incoming strike and returning an attack back at the Emperor.
“Do you know what my father said before he handed me the throne? He said that we must start to work on an alliance with the humans.”
The Emperor’s scarlet eyes burned with seriousness, while Valis remained silent.
“We will soon be facing off against an enemy that will bring the destruction of our continent, and if we do not join hands with the humans, it could mean our end.”
The Emperor spoke in a solemn tone, sheathing his sword and gesturing for Valis to follow him.
The two began walking back towards the palace, and the stationed guards gave their respected salutes each time the Emperor and the Captain passed by them.
“I need you to do something for me, Valis.”
The Emperor started, glancing at his most trusted friend and subordinate.
“Anything that you command, I will complete the mission to the best of my abilities, your Majesty.”
Valis calmly conveyed.
“I want you to arrange a small elite unit and depart for Selior city. Get into contact with the human clans and aristocracy and initiate a hand of friendship and establish a trade deal. We will test the waters by trading our goods and then form an alliance.”
The Emperor laid out his plans and waited for Valis’ response.
“Do you believe the humans will choose to ally themselves with us?
Valis inquired with clear doubt in his voice.
“I might be naïve in hoping so, but if we do not even try to approach them then both our races will be in peril.”
The Emperor stated with a sad smile. Even he knew that his plan was too ambitious and the nature of humans will be hard to change.
“I will carry out your wishes, your Majesty.”
&nb
sp; Valis knelt on the ground as he accepted the mission and bowed his head.
Gazing at the slender back of the man before him, he felt as if the Emperor was carrying the burden of the world on his shoulders.
I miss your cheerful smile of the past, your Majesty.
Valis inwardly thought, and left to gather his troops.
………………………
“I will take my leave now, mother.”
Valis wished his mother goodbye, as he did not know how long he would have to stay in Selior city.
“Valis, one moment.”
His mother interjected, as she stood up and walked towards him.
“If- If you come across the House of Raizel… could you please see how they are doing?”
Elna asked nervously, her deep azure eyes requesting for this favor.